Llandaff North U11 v Barry U11 1st September 2013

The time between the Abergavenny tournament and the first game of the season seemed short but had been filled with pre-season training. A mixture of tag rugby (Parents and boys) had taken it toll with a number of the parents carrying injuries but in recent weeks the training had a change in focus with line outs and tackling practice.

Sunday morning was glorious and with the boys and Chelsea showing up ahead of warm up followed closely by Tom just in time for kick off. The pre match nerves were definitely showing in Matt and Brian, a couple of line outs and the team were ready to go.

Straight from the kick off Llandaf North applied pressure to Barry’s backline and were rewarded with a quick try by Sam, I know this boy is quick but he showed great strength breaking through the tackles, it was at this point we realised that we had practised the conversion but up stood Sion and we were soon 7 – 0 up. Some direct running gave Aeurin his first try of the season, the six weeks in NZ had obviously not been wasted and to ease the pressure on Sion, Alex took this conversion 14- 0. It was soon apparent that the boys were enjoying this extra pitch width with tries by Alex, Sam and two from Joe all converted successfully. At this point I should mention that the forwards were on the field providing quick ball at the breakdown, scrum and lineouts. A great team performance resulted in a half time score of 42-0.

Sweeping changes were made at half time, which included a number of our summer training partners from the U10’s but the half time chat from the Barry management had obviously hit home resulting in Barry scoring from the kick off. Sustained pressure from Llandaff North resulted in a try by Joe but this half was a tough physical challenge with both teams running direct lines. The game finished 49-9, a great start to the season!!!